Ellen Marie (Dennett) Donovan, 68, of Hanson, Massachusetts, died on May 9, 2023. She was surrounded by her family as she transitioned from her life here on earth to join her first-born son and all those who went before her. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Ellen was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 10, 1955. She was the daughter of William J. and Catherine (Morrissey) Dennett. She graduated from Whitman Hanson Regional High School, Class of 1973. She proudly raised her children before returning to the workforce as the Office Manager of Smoot Associates for 37 years.
She loved to spend time in her yard and was an avid gardener. Her love for gardening was legendary, but despite her best efforts, she did not pass down her green thumb. She truly enjoyed sitting on her back deck, sipping her tea, listening to the birds, and enjoying the beautiful flowers she planted. Every spring she looked forward to seeing the hummingbirds and always made sure to have their feeders ready. She always looked forward to seeing the koi fish come out from hibernation and enjoy their little pond. The only thing she loved more was her family.
She leaves behind the love of her life, William R. Donovan, Sr., with whom she recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February. Ellen was the mother to the late William R. Donovan, Jr., Melissa Russo and her husband Larry of Hanson, Julie Ryan and her husband Matt of Whitman, and Joe Donovan and his wife Kristen of Rockland. She was the proudest Grammie to Matthew, Coryn, Brianna, Daniel, Patrick, and Grace. She was so excited to welcome another grandchild in July and to watch her granddaughter graduate college this month. There are not enough words to convey the joy she received from her family and the happiness she gave in return.
Ellen is also survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and a multitude of friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings: William Dennett, Edmund Dennett, Catherine “Kitty” Baker, Charles Dennett, Mary Perry, John Dennett, Barbara Dennett, and Elizabeth “Betty” Carter.
Family and friends are invited to attend her visiting hours on Thursday May 18 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman and her services on Friday May 19 at 10:15 AM from the Chapel, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in the Holy Apostle Church, Hanson.